small ATX power supply

[pandashark]

The case that I bought (some soyo case) came with this power supply made by rexpower. Now the power supply was an utter piece of junk, and I managed to destroy it. however, the one useful quality it had was that it is smaller than other ATX power supplies. It's not a micro ATX, since the back side of the power supply (with the switch) is the same size as other ATX power supplies. But the length it extended into the case was about 4.5 inches as opposed to 5.5 or more on other power supplies. So I was wondering where I can buy another one of these smaller ATX power supplies. I've been searching around and cannot find one anywhere, in fact I can't even find a company called RexPower that makes the power supply that came with my case.

The reason I'm looking for a smaller power supply is because I am working in a very cramped case, and the shorter length helps out a lot.

 

[mechBgon]

I think Zepper knows the official designation for this type of PSU, you might drop him a PM. Inwin's V-series cases come with these "short-depth ATX" units and if you really want one bad enough, hit Newegg and look at the Inwin V-series cases. They have up to 240W models if I recall correctly.

 

[tkistre]

PowMax makes a short power supply. My local wholesaler in Beaumont, TX sells them. They are retailed boxed and include power supply w/rear switch and power cord. I can't say they are great, but they are the only ones I can find that will work in a cramp cases that takes a normal power supply, not mini. It is a "PowMax 9900A 400w Single Fan ATX Power Supply" as listed on their website. It is 4.75" deep. HOpe this helps. Good luck!

 

[mechBgon]

I hope you don't take offense, tkistre, but PowMax PSUs are notorious as one of the lowest of the low-quality brands. Hmm, use a PowMax... or be forced to watch Brady Bunch re-runs for 48 hours with my eyelids taped open... hmmm... tough decision

 

[tkistre]

No offense taken. They would not be a first choice by many means, but in those 4-5 computers (usually name brand PC's with small box) I've worked on for someone that needed a short depth power supply, it was the only brand I could find. I have not had one go bad yet. Guess I've been lucky! It was the only option aside from switching everything to another case, and the customer wanted everything to stay matching. I'm sure you've seen the kind!

 

[pandashark]

hmm...the rexpower one I had was a 350W, and the machine was very unstable with it. There was lots of random rebooting. So I think I need to get a higher wattage than that, especially if it's more no-name power supplies

the larger ones fit in the case, but the problem is they completely cover the cpu, which is bad for cooling. I suppose there might be one out there that might have vents on the side or draw air through the power supply over the cpu...


EDIT: Almost forgot, Thanks for the help. I'm looking on INWIN's site now, and I'll drop Zepper a PM.

What kind of quality/reputation does Inwin have?

 

[mechBgon]

Inwin uses PowerMan, which is OEM Sparkle Power, which means they're reasonably good-quality units. What are the complete specs of your system?

 

[pandashark]

I picked up a really cheap barebones off tiger direct a couple months ago. It was the soyo k7vme mother board. I added an athlonxp 3000 and radeon 9800 pro to to that. It's been running okay now, just real hot.

 

[mechBgon]

Ok, I would definitely bail the case AND power supply then. An Antec SLK3700AMB would solve your issues: 120mm rear exhaust fan, good-quality 350W PSU, full-sized standard ATX case. I wish they offered it with edit: a built-in coffeemaker? no wait, a 400W PSU

 

[pandashark]

the thing is, i like the case's handle, since it's a system that'll be moved around a lot .

I think I can get the temperature down to a reasonable level, at least where the processor will live long enough. A smaller power supply would help a lot for that. I've already swapped out the power supply, since I blew out the one that came with it, but this is a bigger power supply...

 

[redbeard1]

The user Karaktu used to get these from a place in California. I can't find the link but I think he could.

 

[Karaktu]

Originally posted by: mechBgon
I hope you don't take offense, tkistre, but PowMax PSUs are notorious as one of the lowest of the low-quality brands. Hmm, use a PowMax... or be forced to watch Brady Bunch re-runs for 48 hours with my eyelids taped open... hmmm... tough decision

Powmax LP-9900D 400 Watts ATX Power Supply

LCT also makes one that's about the same size. They're not for mission critical stuff, but I've run XP 3200+/9800 Pro systems off them just fine.

 

[pandashark]

you know where the best place to get one of these is (online)? I'll do a search for them, but some of the other names that have come up, I've had some trouble finding.

Also, do you know the model that LCT makes? I looked on their website, and they have one that is significantly smaller than other ATX power supplies (the backside isn't the same size as other ATX power supplies).

 

[pandashark]

So I ordered an LP-9900D from Amamax. When I tried it in, it wasn't really smaller at all. Now I see that they sent me a LP-9960A for some reason, which is obviously not one of the smaller power supplies. that and the thing doesn't power down the computer properly. Thought I'd share my experiences (annoyances) here